Submitted by: Dan Rich

Paul J. Klein

Oct. 16, 1920 - March 29, 2002

South Bend Tribune 4/1/2002

Paul J. "Chic" Klein, 81, of Virginia Street, Mishawaka, Ind., passed away Friday, March 29, in the Saint Joseph Community Hospital, Mishawaka. Paul was born Oct. 16, 1920, in Mishawaka, to Clarence G. and Margaret (Joyce) Klein.

On Oct. 13, 1945, in Coronado, Calif., he married the former Anne C. Pukas, who passed away May 22, 1997. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Kathleen; and by three brothers, Clarence, William and Richard. He is survived by one daughter, Carolyn A. Henry of Mishawaka; four sons, Robert C. Klein Sr., Philip J. (Linda) Klein, Paul J. (Sheila) Klein and David W. Klein, all of Mishawaka; nine grandchildren, Patrick J. (Valeri) Klein, Margaret A. Klein, Rebeca C. Klein, Robert C. Klein II, Philip J. Klein, Lindsay R. Klein, Brittany D. Klein, Robert "Charlie" Henry and Anne Henry; four great-grandchildren; and by a sister, Mary (Jacob) Seeger of South Bend, Ind.

Paul owned and operated Klein's Service Station on the east end of Mishawaka from 1945-1982. Chic was very active in local politics; he was on the Mishawaka City Council from 1960-1963, St. Joseph County Council from 1965-1982, where he served as president, and St. Joseph County Inspector of Weights and Measures from 1983-1998. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus #1873, American Legion of Osceola #308, Penn Township Men's Democratic Club, and the Indiana Weights and Measures Association. He was a member of Queen of Peace Catholic Church where he was a charter member. Chic served his country proudly during World War II. He was parachute rigger first class in the U.S. Navy. Some of his greatest pleasures included fishing trips in Minnesota with his sons and grandsons, and playing cards with grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, April 1, in the Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W 8th Street, Mishawaka. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 2, in Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Mishawaka, with Rev. Elden Miller officiating. Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola, Ind., with military burial rites to be performed by V.F.W. Post 360 and American Legion Post 161. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages contributions in Paul's memory to the American Heart Association, 2410 North Grape Road, Mishawaka, IN 46545.